Originally Posted by
davester
Wow, that bike has CLEARANCE! What width tires are you running on there? It looks beautiful...hope you don't mind getting it muddied up.
Unless you have legs like tree trunks you will definitely be walking the steep pitches with that gearing, though you will be in good company. I've managed to do the ride without walking using a triple with 30 front 28 rear gearing but be aware that even with a triple there are some spots where it can be difficult to keep pedaling due to ruts and loose gravel.
No worries on getting it dirty. Currently running 700x27's that measure 29.5mm wide. I have clearance to run up to a 40mm wide tire between the chainstays.
For my shoes I made sure to pick up the Vittoria 1976 spd model since it has the rubber soles for more traction on the hikes.
